Stories

Wear red for the National Day of Honour: May 9, 2014

Post Date: Thursday, May 08, 2014

May 9, 2014, has officially been declared by the federal government as National Day of Honour to commemorate the end of the Afghanistan mission. This day is a way for Canadians across the country to acknowledge the strength and the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and to support the friends and families of fallen soldiers in Afghanistan.

All Calgarians (including City of Calgary employees) are encouraged to wear red on that day and to observe a moment of silence in support and acknowledgement of National Day of Honour.

The Government of Canada will be holding a few different activities in Ottawa on May 9, including a moment of silence on Parliament Hill, and you can read about them here.

158 Canadian Armed Forces Members lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan, this number includes 40 Alberta-based soldiers. Four Canadian civilians were also killed. For a complete list of all fallen soldiers you can visit the National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces website.

On March 12, 2014 Flags at the City of Calgary were lowered to signify the end of the Afghanistan mission and to honour the fallen Albertan soldiers.

The Afghanistan Memorial Vigil is currently touring Canada and will be in Calgary this coming August. More information will be posted as the date gets closer.

You can read more about the National Day of Honour and the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil here.